DENIM SCHOOL
Jeans are a great wardrobe investment, but deciding on the right pair for each season can be daunting. Does the skinny jean trend have legs? Do boyfriend denims pair well with this season’s ankle boots? Should you wear white jeans in winter?
Madewell, the young women’s contemporary retailer, organized a five-city Fall Denim Tour, with the brand’s marketing director Gigi Guerra and Lucky Magazine’s editor at large Elise Loehnen hitting the malls with a rack of clothes, an easel and a chair to advise shoppers on what -- and what not -- to wear with jeans.
On Monday, the Madewell Fall Denim Tour stops at the Madewell store in Westfield Century City after making stops in Boston, Philadelphia, northern Virginia and Atlanta.
“Women are really afraid of trying new things and get really scared of what they think their limitations are,” says Kim France, editor in chief of Lucky Magazine. “When we help people style, we’re giving people permission.”
What tips are Madewell’s Guerra and Lucky Magazine’s style team doling out to denim buyers?
“Skinny is the trend that keeps going,” Guerra says. “The oversize boyfriend trend is also going to continue -- it’s fun, you can wear the jeans with heels and flats.” Madewell’s slouchy style is called the Ex-Boyfriend ($95) and comes in a worn-looking vintage wash.
“I’m a skinny loyalist,” says Guerra, adding that she rolls up her Madewell Legging Jean ($95), pairing them with ankle boots.
“I wear skinny jeans tucked into boots -- the same way I’ve been wearing jeans for 30 years,” adds France, who pairs her denims either with a blazer over a button-down or a cardigan.
Can you wear white jeans after Labor Day? “We don’t believe in laws like that,” France says. “White for fall looks kind of amazing -- white jeans and black turtleneck.”
What jeans are ready for a comeback? Guerra and France agree it’s the fuller leg (“like the great pair of jeans we all grew up with,” France says). Madewell produces a fuller-leg style called the Rail Straight ($89.50).
“You can get away with a lot with jeans right now -- it’s not like you can buy only one kind of style,” France says.
10250 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles. (310) 772-0428. 6 to 8 p.m. www.madewell1937.com
SALES
The Mini Social Sample Sale Saturday: Children’s online clothing retailer discounts samples up to 70% off retail with prices starting at $10. Kids’ brands on offer include Little Ella by Ella Moss, Oeuf, Egg Baby, Tea Collection, Kate Quinn Organics, Kumquat, Feather Baby and Nest plus footwear from Crocs, Robeez, Morgan & Milo, and Smaller by See Kai Run.
120 E. Santa Anita Ave., Burbank. (866) 212-3259. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. www.theminisocial.com
EVENTS
Teen Vogue Editor Book Signing Monday: Editor in chief Amy Astley answers questions and signs copies of “The Teen Vogue Handbook: An Insider’s Guide to Careers in Fashion” ($24) at Otis College’s West Los Angeles campus. Otis’ Fashion Department Chair Rosemary Brantley moderates the Q&A; session. Prospective fashion careerists and high school seniors and juniors are encouraged to attend. Reservations required (RSVP to www.otis.edu/teenvogue ).
9045 Lincoln Blvd., Los Angeles. (310) 665-6820. 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. www.otis.edu
Stuart Weitzman Trunk Show Saturday and next Sunday: Stylish shoe and bag line gives shoppers a spring 2010 preview, featuring espadrilles, flats and pumps plus a $700 crystal-encrusted evening shoe. Place an order for next season’s “it” shoe style. Stuart Weitzman shoes to order in sizes 4 through 12 and widths from narrow to wide.
798 Americana Way, Glendale. (818) 502-9797. 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday. www.stuartweitzman.com
OPENINGS
Rachel Pally Pop Up Thursday: L.A. designer Pally, known for her luxurious jersey separates, opens a temporary, month-long showcase for her current fall and holiday collection (priced $80 to $300). A loft upstairs will carry discounted styles from previous seasons.
456 S. La Brea Blvd., Los Angeles. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Noon to 6 p.m. Sunday. www.rachelpally.com
--
